hodg100
Outstanding Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2005
- Messages
- 14,220
- Reaction score
- 4,522
- Points
- 6,489
Hot on the heels on the confirmation of their sales supremacy in the UK receiver market for 2010, Onkyo are showing off the 2011 range that they'll no doubt hope continues their success.
Featuring all new snazzy designs and networking capabilities from all bar the entry level unit, the range comprises the 7.2-channel TX-NR609 (around £500), the 7.1-channel TX-NR579 (around £450), the 5.1-channel TX-NR509 (around £350), and the 5.1-channel TX-SR309 (around £250).
The top-of-the range, THX Select2 Plus-certified, TX-NR609, is the first ever receiver to feature Marvell Qdeo video processing technology to upscale standard video signals to state-of-the-art 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. We can't imagine there'll be too many taking advantage of that particular feature given the lack of displays capable of handling that sort of resolution. We guess there's nothing like forward planning though and it's another stick for the boys and girls in marketing to wave at the opposition
Thanks to its networking capability the TX-NR609 can also access Napster as well as Last.fm and v.Tuner internet radio channels. As well as bringing compatibility with Windows® 7 and DLNA, the networking capability also promises to simplify the process of updating the receivers firmware, and you know there'll be plenty of those. Onkyo is also introducing the 'UWF-1 Wireless USB Adapter' (price tbc, compatible with all Onkyo network-capable receivers with USB) in 2011, allowing a wireless IEEE 802.11b/g/n connection to access music on a home network.
All the models feature a front-panel USB port that offers a direct digital connection for iPod/iPhone, along with support for audio playback from USB mass-storage devices (codecs supported include MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless,FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and LPCM). Ogg Vorbis? I must be getting old!
Along with the aforementioned USB port, the TX-NR609 boasts six HDMI inputs (one located conveniently on the front), a Universal Port for Onkyo-branded peripheral devices, and a raft of popular digital and analogue A/V inputs.
Another connectivity highlight on the TX-NR609 comes in the form of Powered Zone 2, which lets users play a different audio source in a second room equipped with stereo speakers. The TX-NR609s 7.2-channel configuration additionally includes two subwoofer pre-outs, enabling users to supply larger rooms with more powerful low frequencies.
PC gamers might appreciate the provision of an analogue RGB video input on the TX-NR609. This input allows users to send the video signal from a notebook or desktop PC directly to the receiver, which then sends it via HDMI to a compatible display. Thankfully, the latest version of HDMI (note - HDMI are dropping the numbers now to avoid customer confusion) which delivers full compatibility with 3D video and an Audio Return Channel, is provided as standard on all four receivers.
Among its audio-processing features, the TX-NR609 supports decoding for Audyssey DSX. This technology allows users to reconfigure the surround-back speakers in a seven-channel set-up as either front-height or front-wide speakers. The TX-NR609 also supports Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which offers a similar front-height surround-sound option.
Other features common to all four models include PLL jitter-cleaning circuitry to preserve signal clarity; lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding; an overlaid on-screen display for easy adjustment of settings; and a new front panel design.
The, slightly down the pecking order, TX-NR579 includes most of the same features as the TX-NR609, but forgoes THX Select2 Plus certification, PC video connectivity, Audyssey DSX, and the second subwoofer pre-out. It also has four HDMI inputs, rather than six.
The TX-NR509 is an alternative for users who do not require the 4K video upscaling feature(so nearly everyone then) or the expanded surround sound options of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. It differs further from the TX-NR579 by featuring a regular (i.e. non-powered) Zone 2 line out, and by omitting Onkyos new content-navigation GUI. In other respects, it offers the same range of connectivity, networking, and audio processing as its higher siblings.
Finally, the entry level TX-SR309 is a 5.1-channel receiver targeted at users who do not require the networking, Zone 2, or Audyssey equalization features, but who still seek a modern and budget-friendly home cinema centerpiece. It features three HDMI inputs and TI Burr-Brown audio DACs, along with Onkyos proprietary advanced music optimizer and gaming audio modes.
Featuring all new snazzy designs and networking capabilities from all bar the entry level unit, the range comprises the 7.2-channel TX-NR609 (around £500), the 7.1-channel TX-NR579 (around £450), the 5.1-channel TX-NR509 (around £350), and the 5.1-channel TX-SR309 (around £250).
The top-of-the range, THX Select2 Plus-certified, TX-NR609, is the first ever receiver to feature Marvell Qdeo video processing technology to upscale standard video signals to state-of-the-art 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. We can't imagine there'll be too many taking advantage of that particular feature given the lack of displays capable of handling that sort of resolution. We guess there's nothing like forward planning though and it's another stick for the boys and girls in marketing to wave at the opposition
Thanks to its networking capability the TX-NR609 can also access Napster as well as Last.fm and v.Tuner internet radio channels. As well as bringing compatibility with Windows® 7 and DLNA, the networking capability also promises to simplify the process of updating the receivers firmware, and you know there'll be plenty of those. Onkyo is also introducing the 'UWF-1 Wireless USB Adapter' (price tbc, compatible with all Onkyo network-capable receivers with USB) in 2011, allowing a wireless IEEE 802.11b/g/n connection to access music on a home network.
All the models feature a front-panel USB port that offers a direct digital connection for iPod/iPhone, along with support for audio playback from USB mass-storage devices (codecs supported include MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless,FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and LPCM). Ogg Vorbis? I must be getting old!
Along with the aforementioned USB port, the TX-NR609 boasts six HDMI inputs (one located conveniently on the front), a Universal Port for Onkyo-branded peripheral devices, and a raft of popular digital and analogue A/V inputs.
Another connectivity highlight on the TX-NR609 comes in the form of Powered Zone 2, which lets users play a different audio source in a second room equipped with stereo speakers. The TX-NR609s 7.2-channel configuration additionally includes two subwoofer pre-outs, enabling users to supply larger rooms with more powerful low frequencies.
PC gamers might appreciate the provision of an analogue RGB video input on the TX-NR609. This input allows users to send the video signal from a notebook or desktop PC directly to the receiver, which then sends it via HDMI to a compatible display. Thankfully, the latest version of HDMI (note - HDMI are dropping the numbers now to avoid customer confusion) which delivers full compatibility with 3D video and an Audio Return Channel, is provided as standard on all four receivers.
Among its audio-processing features, the TX-NR609 supports decoding for Audyssey DSX. This technology allows users to reconfigure the surround-back speakers in a seven-channel set-up as either front-height or front-wide speakers. The TX-NR609 also supports Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which offers a similar front-height surround-sound option.
Other features common to all four models include PLL jitter-cleaning circuitry to preserve signal clarity; lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding; an overlaid on-screen display for easy adjustment of settings; and a new front panel design.
The, slightly down the pecking order, TX-NR579 includes most of the same features as the TX-NR609, but forgoes THX Select2 Plus certification, PC video connectivity, Audyssey DSX, and the second subwoofer pre-out. It also has four HDMI inputs, rather than six.
The TX-NR509 is an alternative for users who do not require the 4K video upscaling feature(so nearly everyone then) or the expanded surround sound options of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. It differs further from the TX-NR579 by featuring a regular (i.e. non-powered) Zone 2 line out, and by omitting Onkyos new content-navigation GUI. In other respects, it offers the same range of connectivity, networking, and audio processing as its higher siblings.
Finally, the entry level TX-SR309 is a 5.1-channel receiver targeted at users who do not require the networking, Zone 2, or Audyssey equalization features, but who still seek a modern and budget-friendly home cinema centerpiece. It features three HDMI inputs and TI Burr-Brown audio DACs, along with Onkyos proprietary advanced music optimizer and gaming audio modes.
Attachments
Last edited: